The televangelist Ezekiel Odero of the New Life Prayer Center and Church has not been released, nor has the court dismissed his case, according to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The ODPP made it clear in a statement to newsrooms on Thursday that Odero's inquiry files are still being reviewed and that no case against him has been dropped.
The ODPP claims that although it had first asked for an extension of Odero's custody to enable investigations, it later determined, upon looking through the inquiry files, that the investigation had progressed to the point where Odero did not need to appear in court or at the police station.
"At the expiry of the seven days, the DPP sought an extension of custodial orders for a further 30 days to enable the police complete investigations. The court however admitted Odero to a bond of Ksh.1.5 million with conditions that he does not interfere with witnesses and report to the investigators on a weekly basis," said the ODPP.
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"Upon receipt of the inquiry files, the ODPP was satisfied that the court orders facilitating investigations had already served their purpose and it was needless for Odero to keep attending court or the police station."
The ODPP further stated that the Shanzu Magistrates Court on Thursday only dismissed Odero's custodial file.
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"Consequently when the matter came up for mention today, the court closed the custodial file. The ODPP shall make a decision as regards to the results of the investigation as soon as the review thereof is complete," said the ODPP.
"The ODPP undertakes to continue exercising its mandate in accordance with the constitution and the law. To this end, the office shall only make the decision to charge where the evidential and public interest thresholds have been met."
